AUGUSTA, Ga. — Perhaps it is the mole on his cheek, or the wide-eyed way he answers a question. There is something, however, about Bubba Watson that makes me feel like I am interviewing the third runner-up in the Latka Gravas lookalike contest.

It's not just a physical resemblance. The way Bubba frames his answers is also reminiscent of the iconic character created by Andy Kaufman for the TV show "Taxi." Watson's responses are funny — and a little bit off kilter. But if you listen closely, there is also wisdom there.

And if you listened closely Friday after Watson took over the top spot on the leader board at the Masters with a four-under 68, you get the feeling he's learned a lot since winning the green jacket and becoming a father, both in 2012.

Bubba is looking — and sounding — more like the guy who hit that incredible hook out of the forest primeval to win a playoff here with Louis Oosthuizen than the man mired in The Great Funk that began after that victory. The win at Augusta National two years ago was his fourth career PGA Tour triumph, but No. 5 did not come until 22 months later at the Northern Trust Open this February. You get the feeling he will not have to wait as long for No. 6.

Perhaps only a couple of days.

After his stellar second round, in which he made five straight birdies beginning on No. 12, Watson sounded like a man not only ready to win, but also one who has gathered himself thanks to a new perspective on life.

"[I've] never been drunk before, but [I had] a hangover from the green jacket," Watson said, singing the familiar refrain hummed by most first-time major-championship winners who complain about the increased demands on their time from sponsors, media and fans.

"You know, I do everything my way," Bubba said. "I learned the game my way. I figured it out my way. So it just takes me a little bit longer with the mental focus and drive to get back to where I am today."

He spoke about how he restructured his life around his son, Caleb, who he and his wife, Angie, adopted shortly before he won the Masters.

"Just figuring out how the whole family thing works at a big golf tournament ," Watson said when asked about the difference this year at Augusta National from last, when he finished T-50 in his title defense. "This year having (Caleb) walk around the Par 3 for a few holes & it's really fun, having the family here, having in